Alison Starnes (Peanut Butter & Co-TWENTY12) won the second stage time trial of the Merco Credit Union Cycling Classic in Merced, California. Starnes flew around the 12 mile (19.3km) course in a time of 26’38”, fully ‘16” quicker than second-placed Molly Van Houwelling (Metromint Cycling0 and 1‘21” ahead of Pascale Schnider (RED Racing).
Having finished second in the previous day’s MID road race, Starnes’ time trial puts her on top of the overall standings.
"I don't really feel like it's my lead," Starnes said to the Merced Sun-Star. "My teammates did a great job of setting me up yesterday. That helped today.
"Plus, this gear is fast. This new skin suit literally feels like it's painted on and this Felt bike and Zipp wheels are just the best equipment there is. The course is pretty straightforward and beautiful. It literally felt like I was cutting through the air, which is such a cool feeling."
Margaret Jones (Chico Corsa) was the first rider to start; with riders going off every 30 seconds though, she was caught by Ruste Parker (Velocity Valley) before the finish, who posted a time of 31’47”.
The times soon began to tumble though, with Lauren Tamayo (Peanut Butter & Co-TWENTY12) posting 28’07”, the first time that looked like a possible winner. Ina Teutenberg was the very next rider though, and lowered the mark by 3 seconds with 28’04”.
A few minutes later Van Houwelling became the first rider to take the time below 28 minutes, with 27’54”; Schnider pushed her close shortly afterwards but could only finish 5 seconds behind.
Third from last to start Starnes flew around the out-and-back course, catching the two riders who started ahead of her, to slash an incredible 1’16” off Van Houwelling’s time. Yesterday’s winner Amanda Miller (HTC-Highroad) came in 2’32” behind the Peanut Butter & Co-TWENTY12 rider, losing her grip on the race lead.
Result stage 2
1. Alison Starnes (USA) Peanut Butter & Co-TWENTY12
2. Molly Van Houwelling (USA) Metromint Cycling @ 1’16”
3. Pascale Schnider (Swi) RED Racing @ 1’21”
4. Ina Teutenberg (Ger) HTC-Highroad @ 1’26”
5. Kristin McGrath (USA) Peanut Butter & Co-TWENTY12 @ 1’29”
6. Lauren Tamayo (USA) Peanut Butter & Co-TWENTY12 @ 1’45”
7. Olivia Dillon (USA) Peanut Butter & Co-TWENTY12 @ 2’15”
8. Elizabeth Newell (USA) Fremont Bank Cycling Team @ 2’28”
9. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC-Highroad @ 2’32”
10. Jane Despas (USA) Yahoo! Cycling Team
Standings after stage 2
1. Alison Starnes (USA) Peanut Butter & Co-TWENTY12
2. Kristin McGrath (USA) Peanut Butter & Co-TWENTY12 @ 1’38”
3. Pascale Schnider (Swi) RED Racing @ 1’45”
4. Molly Van Houwelling (USA) Metromint Cycling @ 2’19”
5. Amanda Miller (USA) HTC-Highroad @ 2’20”